Thoughts About Memorial Day

In many respects I am a product of the military. The reason I joined was to cover the cost of my dental education. The reason I stayed until I retired 20 years later was because I discovered a way of life and a group of men and women I came to deeply respect. These individuals don’t routinely think of themselves as patriots, but they are. Their duties vary on a day to day basis — some glamorous, some less so. But they are connected by one simple overarching mission — to protect and defend our country. More personally, they care about us, and this even includes those who don’t care about them.

Probably the most powerful image I carry with me is that of having witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a fitting symbol for Memorial Day because it is the military’s way of honoring those who not only sacrifice their lives but also their identities for their country. The guard is posted to say to them, we, your military comrades, honor your sacrifice and pledge to do the same for our country if ever called to do so. The Tomb is guarded 24/365. To learn more click here http://goo.gl/Yv5ZX